Prison Heads Ask FCC for Permission to Jam Cell Signals

posted Jul 14, 2009, 11:12 AM by Eric M. Zeman
updated Jul 14, 2009, 1:13 PM

Prison heads in 26 states across the U.S. have filed a petition with the Federal Communications Commission seeking permission to jam cell phone signals in and around prisons. It is illegal for prisoners to make/receive calls, and those running correctional facilities say inmates often use contraband cell phones to plan other crimes. As it stands, only the federal government has permission to jam cell phone signals. Corrections Director Jon Ozmint, who is the main voice behind the petition, said state and local law enforcement agencies should be allowed to block cell phone signals from corrections institutes. The petition is being backed by U.S. senators who believe Ozmint's point of view, and have legislation prepared to alter the law in favor of the prisons if the FCC doesn't agree with the petition. CTIA spokesman John Walls is skeptical about jamming, and believes that jamming systems will likely interfere with the service of neighboring citizens and businesses. The FCC has yet to comment on the petition.

more info at Wireless Week / Associated Press »

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